Where industry professionals connect with experts, peers, resources and information to enhance quality services for individuals with disabilities.

﻿Be one of the colorful bits and pieces that create INARF’s 2016 Annual Conference “Kaleidoscope: Inspiring the Creative Spirit”. Join us for 3 days of inspiring sessions to learn about innovative solutions for providing services to individuals with disabilities from highly recognized industry experts! Every session creates the opportunity for a new experience.

The Legend below will guide your colorful selections based on the INARF Professional Interest Sections and including the dedicated dual-diagnosis track offered by our conference partner - Meridian Health Services (MHS).

&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp9 AM - 10 AM, Keynote Presentation: A Meaningful Life Full of Possibilities

Dakota Johns is an entrepreneur of 10 years owning two businesses: Dakota Speaks and Dakota's Amazing Animal Pet Care, where he takes care of people's pets while they are away on holiday. He is an advocate for individuals with special needs to help them live a more independent lifestyle and attain their dreams and goals. Dakota is a sophomore at Grand Canyon University where he majors in Communications and minors in Video Production. Dakota's long term goals are to earn a college degree, become a Sports Broadcaster and continue to work as a Professional Keynote Speaker. His list of accomplishments is amazing: College student, business owner, Best Buddies Ambassador, Olympian & World Ambassador with Special Olympics, Boy Scout with the rank of Life Scout currently working on his rank of Eagle Scout, Professional speaker and fundraiser. He does it all. His goal is to teach the world that disability is not a hindrance to success.

ID# 01 National Core Indicators: How to Gather, Interpret, and Use Data
Alixe Bonardi OTR/L, MHA, Human Services Research Institute

Recommended Audience:

ID# 02 HIPAA Compliance in a Mobile Device World
Jeff Richendollar, Indiana Professional Management Group
Laura Shelley, Indiana Professional Management Group

Recommended Audience:

This session will focus on methods for securely sharing protected health information (PHI) between agencies, steps to set up a mobile device to be HIPAA compliant, and HIPAA compliant text messaging. This will cover inter-agency information sharing, such as: encryption, protecting files sent via email, wireless devices, staff support, etc. Following the presentation, the presenters will provide a hands-on workshop to assist participants to set up the ability for remotely wiping their smartphone, tablet, and/or iPad should it be lost or stolen.

Learning Objectives:

Understand HIPAA compliance related to information sharing

Set up security measures on a mobile device

Supporting staff usage of mobile devices

Jeff Richendollar is the HIPAA Privacy and Security Officer for Indiana Professional Management Group (IPMG). He has worked in Indiana's Medicaid Waiver Program for twelve years, primarily in quality compliance. Richendollar has worked with IPMG's Privacy and Security Committees to develop Policies and Procedures to comply with the appropriate HIPAA Privacy and Security regulations, helping to enable IPMG Case Managers increase productivity using technology to work smarter.

Laura Shelley is the Outreach and Communications Manager for Indiana Professional Management Group (IPMG). Shelley took lead in the development of IPMG's Mobile Device Handbook, and made key contributions to the development of IPMG's Mobile Device Policy as it relates to cyber security and HIPAA compliance. Shelley is instrumental in the training of IPMG employees on the use of their mobile devices.

This session will explore the current activities and up-to-date results of the statewide collaborative IIDC Research Project designed to examine new and promising practices surrounding school-to-work transition strategies. Past experience has shown that a revitalization of school-to-work transition practices across the State of Indiana is needed to improve employment outcomes for transition age youth with disabilities exiting high school.

Learning Objectives:

Specific goals and design of the Project

What's working on the Project

Dr. Teresa Grossi is the Director for the Center on Community Living and Careers at the Indiana Institute on Disability and Community (IIDC), the Indiana’s University Center for Excellence at Indiana University. Grossi serves on a number of editorial boards and has conducted research and written on secondary transition services, community supports and employment issues for individuals with disabilities.

This session will discuss the variety of challenges that young people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) face as they transition into adulthood. This includes how assistance and resources often decrease during the transition process, creating further complications. Participants will be provided with a list of resources from the presenter, as well as take part in the Q & A session.

Learning Objectives:

Identify and understand the challenges impacting young adults with ASD

Develop an awareness of resources and treatment options, which may be beneficial during the transition period

Dr. Tracy Gale is manager of Autism and Behavioral Services at Easter Seals Crossroads in Indianapolis. In her current role, Gale provides clinical supervision, diagnostic evaluations, and behavioral treatment services.

This session will be a discussion of the history of assistive technology. The presenter will speaker about a number of guests from his radio program that include researchers and inventors of some of the most cutting edge assistive technology being created today. He will share how those conversations have shaped his predictions for the future of technology designed to increase the independence of people with disabilities.

Learning Objectives:

Identify major historical milestones in the field of assistive technology

Identify 2 major trends in the industry

Understand resources for AT news and information

Wade Wingler is the Director of Assistive Technology Center and the INDATA Project at Easter Seals Crossroads in Indianapolis. Wingler is a RESNA Certified Assistive Technology Practitioner (ATP) and an adjunct lecturer of assistive technology at Indiana University-Purdue University at Indianapolis as well as Vincennes University.

This session will dig into the complex challenges facing organizations in the future which will require a new type of leader. Staying ahead of the competition means that you need leaders with the capabilities to deal with a more diverse, fast-changing, global workforce. While organizations need to understand this to prepare leaders, they have to develop skills within leaders so they can better manage the changing dynamics in the outside context. Leaders will need to make new choices to influence the new reality.

Learning Objectives:

Understand the role company culture places in the race for top talent

Handling a change in the workforce

Preparing current leaders for change

Nancy Ahlrichs applies her extensive industry experience to help FlashPoint’s clients identify their talent management needs, diagnose problems, and develop appropriate solutions. Ahlrichs is a prolific author, and her works have appeared in print and online journals. Ahlrichs most recent book is Igniting Gen B and Gen V: The New Rules of Engagement for Boomers, Veterans and Other Long-Termers on the Job.

This session will discuss how Supported Decision-Making can increase both independence and empowerment. Participants will learn specific ways to use the Supported Decision-Making method in response to specific situations and how to implement the method at different times along the course of a person’s life.

Learning Objectives:

How Supported Decision-Making can increase independence and improve life outcomes

How Supported Decision-Making is applicable at various stages of life

Implementing Supported Decision-Making in specific situations and based upon individual abilities and needs

Tina Campanella is Chief Executive Officer of Quality Trust. She has over 35 years of experience in working with and on behalf of children and adults with intellectual and/or development disabilities. Campanella has directed residential and employment services as well as worked as an expert consultant regarding quality improvement and organizational development strategies for human service agencies throughout the US and abroad.

ID# 08 Leading and Building Teams within Your Business
Sabra Burnett, Make A Difference Everyday

Recommended Audience:

In this session current and future leaders/coaches will participate in an interactive manner to learn why it is important to "know" the team member and how best to interact with those individuals; while maintaining consistent expectations. Keeping all of your employees motivated and productive by leading and coaching effectively is a difficult, yet not impossible task. Today's difficulties are due mostly to a mix in demographics of the workforce.

Learning Objectives:

Why it is important to meet employees where they are

How to maintain consistency in expectations when responding differently

When and how to act, choosing your battles

Sabra Burnett is the owner/CEO of Make A Difference Everyday (MADe). After working in the field of Developmental Disabilities in the areas of residential services and case management for 25 years she started MADe in the fall of 2015. She works with businesses in the tri-state area to assist with Leadership Development, specifically consulting to address management growth needs, develop training materials and to build new programs and services.

This session will discuss, at an advanced level, the different types of dementia and the common symptoms and behaviors associated with dementia. It will also address strategies for caregiving and end-of-life planning to promote increased quality of life for both persons with dementia, as well as their caregivers and loved ones.

Sarah Thurston is Manager of Hospice Education for Great Lakes Caring. Thurston has worked as the hospice social work preceptor and a social worker in the field for over 13 years in settings that included the home, assisted living, skilled nursing facilities and the hospital. Sarah is also a Certified Dementia Practitioner.

This session will focus on typical barriers, issues and reasons that affect why individuals do not take their medications. Missed medications, or medications taken out of the prescribed order can be caused by a variety of issues, such as memory or attention. Participants will learn about research and projects involving the development of solutions to these problems.

Learning Objectives:

Identify the most common causes for individuals not taking prescribed medications

Major issues and challenges in matching technology with the individual

Emerging technology areas to further extend the likelihood of medication adherence

Stephen Sutter is the founder and president of CreateAbility Concepts. Sutter has been the principle investigator on 19 research and development projects funded by the National Institutes of Health, the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living and Rehabilitation Research, and the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (related to helping rural people with special needs). All research and development is focused on the appropriate use of assistive technology devices in Vocational, Independent and Educational settings.

This session will explain how organizations may protect themselves in an unpredictable world of issues, such as: personnel, accidents, social media, etc. Participants will be able to engage in discussion of Crisis Communications and Practical Prevention Tactics. The presenters will wrap up the session with a by addressing how to deal with an actual crisis, engage affected parties in the aftermath of a crisis, and then promote a healing process.

Learning Objectives:

Identify key areas of crisis vulnerabilities

Proactively plan to mitigate vulnerabilities

Understand key elements of a Crisis Communications Plan

Dr. Greg LaForme has over 40 years’ experience in the field of developmental disabilities. As a graduate of the University of Wisconsin and Fellow in the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, he has served as a Private Service Provider, a Public Service Administrator in the field and Senior Instructor at the University of Akron.

Tom Speaks is Principal and Co-founder of The Impact Group. He is recognized as a leader in municipal communications. He has developed and implemented communication strategies to help communities reach their goals. Speaks background in political science and qualitative and quantitative research techniques provides clients with an in-depth understanding of the audiences they are trying to motivate.

ID# 12 Supported Decision-Making: EVERYONE Has the Right to Make Choices
Tina Campanella, Quality Trust for Individuals with Disabilities
Jonathan Martinis, Quality Trust for Individuals with Disabilities

Recommended Audience:

This session will be an introduction to Support Decision-Making (SDM), an alternative to guardianship. SDM uses trusted friends, family members, and professionals to help people understand the situations and choices they face. This may lead to increased self-determination and have outcomes like greater independence, employment, community integration, and safety.

Learning Objectives:

How SDM increases self-determination

Why overbroad/undue guardianship decreases self-determination

How SDM can be used throughout life - including education, work, and medical care

Tina Campanella is Chief Executive Officer of Quality Trust. She has over 35 years of experience in working with and on behalf of children and adults with intellectual and/or development disabilities. Campanella has directed residential and employment services as well as worked as an expert consultant regarding quality improvement and organizational development strategies for human service agencies throughout the US and abroad.

ID# 13 Grief and the Professional Caregiver
Sarah Thurston, LMSW, Great Lakes Caring

Recommended Audience:

This session will delve into care for professional caregivers, who experience grief and feelings of loss after the death of a client. Participants of this presentation will be able to identify some symptoms of grief as well as describe the symptoms related to loss as a professional caregiver. They will also work through effective coping strategies when dealing with grief.

Learning Objectives:

Identify symptoms of grief for the professional caregiver

Describe complicated grief and its impact on the professional caregiver

Identify effective coping strategies for dealing with grief

Sarah Thurston is Manager of Hospice Education for Great Lakes Caring. Thurston has worked as the hospice social work preceptor and a social worker in the field for over 13 years in settings that included the home, assisted living, skilled nursing facilities and the hospital. Sarah is also a Certified Dementia Practitioner.

ID# 14 Resource Facilitation and Return to Work after Brain Injury
Lance E. Trexler, PhD, HSPP, FACRM, Rehabilitation Hospital of Indiana, Indiana University School of Medicine

Recommended Audience:

This session will explore the Rehabilitation Hospital of Indiana (RHI) Resource Facilitation program and how it augments employment services to address the vocational barriers specific to those with brain injury. It is not uncommon for Vocational Rehabilitation State agencies to report less than 20% of people with brain injury are successfully placed. The RHI program evaluation results indicate that 77% of participants successfully returned to work.

Learning Objectives:

Effects of Brain Injury

Brain Injury-Specific Barriers to Employment

Overview of the Resource Facilitation Program Model

Lance Trexler, PhD is the Director, Department of Rehabilitation Neuropsychology, Rehabilitation Hospital of Indiana. He is a clinical neuropsychologist by training and has been specialized in brain injury rehabilitation since 1982. Trexler’s research has been focused on interventions for people with brain injury, including pharmacological, rehabilitative and social interventions.

This sesssion will focus on how tablet devices are increasingly being used for communication training in autism or developmental disabilities. AT and autism specialists, special education teachers, SLPs, OTs will see evidence-based strategies on augmentative and alternative communication for functional communication, eliciting speech and language, and facilitating social-pragmatic development using the SPEAKall! application from Purdue University.

After a full day of educational sessions and celebrations, join us for the Annual Conference Reception to exchange ideas learned from the educational sessions, meet new people, and catch up with old friends. The Dinner Program will immediately follow the Reception and offer an evening of lighthearted entertainment. Please plan to join us!

This session will focus on how to work with your County to receive financial assistance for services to individuals with disabilities. Hear from Rauch, Inc. as they walk you through their experience with their County elected officials and the appropriation of funds from their levy. Also, Indiana State Representative Ed Clere will join the panel to discuss the process by which to receive the appropriations and the potential funding that can be received.

This session will center on public perception of provider organizations. Negative perceptions, whether true or false, can and will ruin agencies. Participants will hear the results of numerous focus groups concerning the subject. Knowing what these perceptions are and developing strategies for managing them will be critical in assuring future success.

Learning Objectives:

Awareness of the common themes of Provider Perception

Strategies to defusing/refuting Negative Perceptions

Strategies to develop and promote Positive Perceptions

Dr. Greg LaForme has over 40 years’ experience in the field of developmental disabilities. As a graduate of the University of Wisconsin and Fellow in the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, he has served as a Private Service Provider, a Public Service Administrator in the field and Senior Instructor at the University of Akron.

Tom Speaks is Principal and Co-founder of The Impact Group. He is recognized as a leader in municipal communications. He has developed and implemented communication strategies to help communities reach their goals. Speaks background in political science and qualitative and quantitative research techniques provides clients with an in-depth understanding of the audiences they are trying to motivate.

This session will educate participants on writing an effective, proactive behavior plan. These plans can help Direct Support Professionals appropriately support individuals who are struggling and keep the house functioning smoothly. However, writing a plan that's both useful and realistic given limited resources can be tricky. Participants will learn quick tools they can use to develop meaningful behavior plans that can realistically be implemented in a group living setting.

Learning Objectives:

Important sections of positive Behavioral Support Plans

Understand the functions of behavior

Routine interventions that could speed up the writing process

Kelly Howard is the CEO/owner of Behavior Services & Therapy, a behavioral health company providing behavior management, music therapy, recreational therapy and outpatient counseling in Northern Indiana. Howard was a residential director when she first entered the field before transitioning to providing behavioral supports to Waiver recipients and finally to owning her own company in 2008.

ID# 19 Keeping the Lines Open
Craig Burns, Easter Seals Crossroads

Recommended Audience:

This session will tour how providers keep track of the progress/activities of individuals with disabilities who participate in jobs, training, supported living, community habilitation, and group homes. Participants will be exposed to some of the available technologies that can be used to facilitate communication among employers, employees, families and residential staff. There will be discussion about what has been effective and what could be improved.

Learning Objectives:

Communication needs of professionals and those they serve

Awareness of the types of tools currently available

Determine the type of tools needed for each situation

Craig Burns is an Assistive Technology Specialist with Easter Seals Crossroads. He has been working in the Augmentative and Alternative Communication field for nearly 20 years. Burns has designed mobile device applications for both individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder as well as those needing an Augmentative and Alternative Communication tool.

This session will give support providers practical strategies to help individuals effectively cope with these symptoms. The strategies are organized into two main sections – what can be done to set up environments that promote relaxation for all (Level One PBS strategies) and what can be done to prepare individuals to cope effectively with anxiety inducing situations when there’s a known risk (Level Two PBS strategies).

Learning Objectives:

Why people with I/DD are at greater risk for experiencing stress and anxiety

Recognize how stress and anxiety manifest through behavior and its impact

Identify at least three variety tools to increase relaxation/coping skills

Melissa Cheplic is a Training and Consultation Specialist for the Community Positive Behavior Support project at The Boggs Center on Developmental Disabilities. She provides training and technical assistance to community support agencies. Cheplic co-authored a book entitled Mental Health Approaches to Intellectual/Developmental Disability: A Resource for Trainers, together with an associated Trainee Workbook.

This session is a training on how to welcome and support individuals, who identify within the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning, and/or other spectrum (LGBTQ+). The presenter will give a background on some of the common issues faced by individuals in terms of lack of support and resources. Participants will be able to have an open, safe-space to discuss concerns and questions on how to best advocate for the well-being of a person in their care.

Learning Objectives:

Awareness of basic LGBTQ+ terms & definitions

Create a welcoming, safe-space for LGBTQ+ individuals and their families

Balance professionalism with diverse cultural views

Graham Brinklow is an Education Outreach Coordinator with the Indiana Youth Group (IYG). He works to start, support, and sometimes “resuscitate” the over 80 LGBTQ youth groups in communities and schools across the state by facilitating the Indiana Gay Straight Alliance Network. Brinklow also presents LGBTQ Cultural Competency trainings to a wide range of organizations, classrooms, and businesses.

This session will focus on staff retention issues, as it relates to the “millennial” workforce. Studies show that the workforce of this generation may not always respond to what is seen as “traditional” personnel motivators. Participants will gain awareness of how to improve one’s communication to help motivate, manage and retain these employees.

Dr. Greg LaForme has over 40 years’ experience in the field of developmental disabilities. As a graduate of the University of Wisconsin and Fellow in the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, he has served as a Private Service Provider, a Public Service Administrator in the field and Senior Instructor at the University of Akron.

Tom Speaks is Principal and Co-founder of The Impact Group. He is recognized as a leader in municipal communications. He has developed and implemented communication strategies to help communities reach their goals. Speaks background in political science and qualitative and quantitative research techniques provides clients with an in-depth understanding of the audiences they are trying to motivate.

ID# 23 Successful Transition to the Adult World of Work
Panel DiscussionProject Search Providers

Recommended Audience:

Students with disabilities face unique and significant challenges as they transition to the world of work after high school. This session will be a facilitated discussion among panel members from Project Search programs across the region. They will discuss successful strategies utilized within their programs as they prepare students with disabilities for the next phase of their lives - the world of work.

Learning Objectives:

Understand total work immersion in the Transition process

Systematic approach and universal design in training

Developing strong relationships with businesses and other key partnerships

This session will tackle the complex process of developing a plan, which coordinates and communicates all of the services and supports required for successful employment, independent living, or education. This includes adding a structure to address the needs of the individual, employer, family and residential personnel. Participants will learn new approaches that define stakeholder responsibility, coordinates schedules, and simplifies communication.

Learning Objectives:

Identify the most common communication barriers between stakeholders

Major issues and challenges in matching technology with the stakeholders

Emerging technology areas to increase coordination and communication

Stephen Sutter is the founder and president of CreateAbility Concepts. Sutter has been the principle investigator on 19 research and development projects funded by the National Institutes of Health, the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living and Rehabilitation Research, and the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (related to helping rural people with special needs). All research and development is focused on the appropriate use of assistive technology devices in Vocational, Independent and Educational settings.

This session will be brief overview of how depression manifests in people with I/DD, and a review of treatment and support strategies for individuals with mood disorders, using Positive Behavior Supports as a model for integrating treatment and behavioral supports. These will be illustrated through the presentation of a case illustration.

Learning Objectives:

Identify best practices in meeting the inter-related needs of individuals with I/DD and depression

Strategies to coordinate and address Depression as a setting event to challenging behavior

Melissa Cheplic is a Training and Consultation Specialist for the Community Positive Behavior Support project at The Boggs Center on Developmental Disabilities. She provides training and technical assistance to community support agencies. Cheplic co-authored a book entitled Mental Health Approaches to Intellectual/Developmental Disability: A Resource for Trainers, together with an associated Trainee Workbook.

ID# 26 It’s Not What’s in the ISP that Counts – It’s Service Quality and Branding!
Dr. Greg LaForme, FAAIDD
Tom Speaks, The Impact Group

Recommended Audience:

This session will provide strategies for creating a positive environment that will assist in the growth of your business and the retention of quality staff. Participants will become aware of practical information that can be immediately applied to assist you with branding and messaging issues. Experience demonstrates that this is absolutely critical for business success.

Learning Objectives:

Setting service expectations for their staff

Develop elements of a positive business environment that will assist in growth

Develop strategies to assist in the retention of quality staff

Dr. Greg LaForme has over 40 years’ experience in the field of developmental disabilities. As a graduate of the University of Wisconsin and Fellow in the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, he has served as a Private Service Provider, a Public Service Administrator in the field and Senior Instructor at the University of Akron.

Tom Speaks is Principal and Co-founder of The Impact Group. He is recognized as a leader in municipal communications. He has developed and implemented communication strategies to help communities reach their goals. Speaks background in political science and qualitative and quantitative research techniques provides clients with an in-depth understanding of the audiences they are trying to motivate.

ID# 27 A Culture of Respect and Retention
A representative from New Horizons Resources

Recommended Audience:

This session will give insight into how New York provider New Horizons Resources, Inc. (NHR) has been able to sustainably achieve on of the lowest Direct Support Professional turnover rates in the nation. NHR also have the highest level of DSP professional certification in New York State, by developing a supportive organizational culture and by fostering the professional development of DSPs.

This session is a training on how to welcome and support individuals, who identify within the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning, and/or other spectrum (LGBTQ+). The presenter will give a background on some of the common issues faced by individuals in terms of lack of support and resources. Participants will be able to have an open, safe-space to discuss concerns and questions on how to best advocate for the well-being of a person in their care.

Learning Objectives:

Awareness of basic LGBTQ+ terms & definitions

Create a welcoming, safe-space for LGBTQ+ individuals and their families

Balance professionalism with diverse cultural views

Graham Brinklow is an Education Outreach Coordinator with the Indiana Youth Group (IYG). He works to start, support, and sometimes “resuscitate” the over 80 LGBTQ youth groups in communities and schools across the state by facilitating the Indiana Gay Straight Alliance Network. Brinklow also presents LGBTQ Cultural Competency trainings to a wide range of organizations, classrooms, and businesses.

This session will examine the vocational options for people with intellectual disabilities. Options have traditionally been limited to janitorial, simple food services or counting and sorting types of jobs. With the aid of technology, exciting new approaches that combine Apps with cloud resources have been demonstrated to expand the vocational horizons. These new approaches not only independently coach the individual, but also reduce supervisory verification and setup responsibilities.

Learning Objectives:

Common situations where video modeling has been successful

Issues and challenges in matching technology with the individual and the vocational setting

Emerging technology areas to extend the job opportunities people with intellectual disabilities

Stephen Sutter is the founder and president of CreateAbility Concepts. Sutter has been the principle investigator on 19 research and development projects funded by the National Institutes of Health, the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living and Rehabilitation Research, and the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (related to helping rural people with special needs). All research and development is focused on the appropriate use of assistive technology devices in Vocational, Independent and Educational settings.

ID# 30 Health Promotion Program and the Impact on Mental Health
Jasmina Sisirak, PhD, MPH, Department of Disability and Human Development, University of Illinois at Chicago
Beth Marks, RN, PhD. Department of Disability and Human Development, University of Illinois at Chicago

Recommended Audience:

This session will describe an evidence-based, health promotion program designed to empower and support individuals with developmental and mental health disabilities to improve their overall health and well-being. HealthMatters Program development, goals, and implementation in various organizations will be discussed. With a connection between healthy lifestyles and mental health, the “Health Matters” curriculum can benefit all individuals receiving support services.

Beth Marks, RN, PhD, is a Research Associate Professor in the Department of Disability and Human Development, University of Illinois at Chicago, and Associate Director for Research in the Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Developmental Disabilities. She has published numerous articles and books related to health promotion, health advocacy, and primary health care for people with disabilities. Marks also co-produced a film entitled “Open the Door, Get 'Em a Locker: Educating Nursing Students with Disabilities.”

Jasmina Sisirak, PhD, MPH, is a Research Assistant Professor in the Department of Disability and Human Development (DHD), University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) and Associate Project Director in the Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Developmental Disabilities (RRTCDD) in DHD. Sisirak coordinates several health promotion projects in the RRTCDD; and has written publications and presented papers in the area of disability, health, and nutrition.

ID# 31 Coordination of Care for Home Health and Hospice Services
Jean Macdonald, RN, BSN, MS, Indiana Association for the Home & Hospice Care
Michelle Stein-Ordonez, Indiana Association for Home and Hospice Care

Recommended Audience:

The session will provide an overview of the benefits and coverage limitations for the home health and hospice programs. Participants will experience and outline in the aspects of coordination of care between home health agencies and waiver providers as well as care between hospice providers and intermediate care facilities for individuals with intellectual disabilities based on the federal regulations.

Jean Macdonald is a registered nurse and received her Bachelors of Nursing from the Ohio State University and a Master's Degree from Indiana Wesleyan University. In her current position, she is responsible for the clinical, regulatory and legislative issues that affect homecare, hospice and home support services.

Michelle Stein-Ordonez is the Membership Services Director as well as the Medicaid Specialist for the Indiana Association for Home and Hospice Care (IAHHC). She was the policy analyst for the Medicaid hospice benefit from 1997 thru 2010 and was responsible for the day to day operations of the program. Previously, Stein-Ordonez has worked for Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) for 20 years in several capacities.

This session will share real life experiences on what it means to be really out of the work-life balance. Studies show that 65% of all Americans say they are stressed to the limit. Participants will learn how to bring that balance back through activities and videos throughout the presentation.

Learning Objectives:

Realizing where you fall with your work-life balance

Issues related to having no balance in your life

Strategies to get your life in balance

Monica Armstrong is currently working as an independent consultant as well as working for Provider Resources Group. She has over 30 years' experience in case management, residential and adult day support, working in both private and public sectors, as well as non-profit agencies. Armstrong helped create and open an adult fitness program and community recreation program to meet the needs in the community.

Melissa Skaggs is the Vice President of Provider Resources Group, which provides consulting, training and business services to Human Service Providers. A veteran trainer, she has provided focused, one-on-one training and has presented to groups of more than 100 on leadership techniques and a variety of business develop topics. She is very passionate about training and mentoring others and has a down to earth approach to training.

Join this session to listen in and ask questions of a panel of Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) from different member organizations throughout Indiana. The panel will provide you a DSP perspective on topics ranging from recruitment and on-boarding, to interacting with supervisors, and workforce diversity. This is the perfect time to get an insider’s view on how DSPs feel about their work environment and how organizations can take steps to ensure staff feel prepared and motivated from day one.

This session will display different technologies that may assist persons with a disability in overcoming barriers. Beginning with a general overview of challenges presented with navigation and transportation due to a disability, this training will allow attendees to observe and try out different technology used for community navigation and transportation.

Learning Objectives:

Understanding of barriers for persons with disabilities

Experience technology, which aids in navigation

Awareness of how to use technology

Joshua Anderson is an Assistive Technology Specialist with Easter Seals Crossroads. Previously, he had worked in the Employment Division. Anderson is currently completing his last semester at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis as he earns a Bachelor’s of Public Administration through the School of Public and Environmental Affairs.

ID# 35 How Staff/Care-Givers Can Make an Impact
Jasmina Sisirak, PhD, MPH, Department of Disability and Human Development, University of Illinois at Chicago
Beth Marks, RN, PhD. Department of Disability and Human Development, University of Illinois at Chicago

Recommended Audience:

This session will discuss the role of staff and caregivers in supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) to improve their health outcomes, health behaviors, self-efficacy, and socio-environmental supports. As the health of people with I/DD is “interdependent” with those they rely on for supports, evidence-based best practices for promoting health and preventing disease and injuries will be reviewed.

Learning Objectives:

Identify the individual role in promoting health

Strategies to foster a culture of health and wellness for all

Review programs and initiatives to promote health for people with I/DD

Beth Marks, RN, PhD, is a Research Associate Professor in the Department of Disability and Human Development, University of Illinois at Chicago, and Associate Director for Research in the Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Developmental Disabilities. She has published numerous articles and books related to health promotion, health advocacy, and primary health care for people with disabilities. Marks also co-produced a film entitled “Open the Door, Get 'Em a Locker: Educating Nursing Students with Disabilities.”

Jasmina Sisirak, PhD, MPH, is a Research Assistant Professor in the Department of Disability and Human Development (DHD), University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) and Associate Project Director in the Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Developmental Disabilities (RRTCDD) in DHD. Sisirak coordinates several health promotion projects in the RRTCDD; and has written publications and presented papers in the area of disability, health, and nutrition.

&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp4:30 PM - 6 PM, INARF Happy Hour

Add color to your Kaleidoscope by joining in the Annual Conference Happy Hour - an informal reception designed to promote information sharing and networking. Beverages and hors d’oeuvres will be provided.

This session will be an overview of healthcare issues related to the aging adult with an intellectual and/or developmental disability (I/DD). The life expectancy estimates are now over 70 years for people with mild I/DD and 60 years for those with severe I/DD. Geriatric healthcare professionals may have received little formal training in their care, and may experience difficulty in distinguishing normal from atypical aging patterns in this population.

Learning Objectives:

Awareness of the myths associated with the aging adult with I/DD

Understand the similarities and differences the I/ DD population and general population

Understand the potential risk factors associated with aging among the I/DD population

Donna Riedle is a Registered Nurse Consultant with the Indiana Professional Management Group (IPMG). She supports IPMG's case managers as they advocate for individuals on the Medicaid Waiver. As part of her role at IPMG, she is charged with developing educational opportunities for case managers to learn more about the individual's they serve and their health issues.

This session will explore the dimensions of relationship building and learn the differences between networking, cooperating and collaborating. Employees seek purpose, mastery, and autonomy. Internal collaboration makes for successful organizations. External collaboration leads to successful service providers. Servant leadership works well for both because it is focused on serving others first.

Learning Objectives:

Collaboration is a complex relationship between people, not institutions

Principles that guide servant leadership are also the outcomes we seek

Phillip Anderson is a Greenleaf Consulting Partner with the Robert K. Greenleaf Center for Servant Leadership. Anderson operates ReThink! a consulting firm specializing in community development, cultural tourism, and leadership development. As the Chief ReThinker, he works with groups and communities to help them spend more time Doing Outside the Box.

This session will examine the necessary steps to consider when planning for a curricular day. Focus will be on determining purpose and looking at logistics, making the commitment, and building a strong foundation. Discover how to tap into resources and/or create your own. Emphasis will be on the beginning stages of creating a curricular day - finding funding, space, and staff.

Learning Objectives:

How to move from inception to implementation

Determining assets and resources

How to determine purpose and meaning in programming

Kirstin Krenz is an Employee Development Specialist with Opportunity Enterprises. She spent two years as OE's Curriculum Technician and was instrumental in helping to develop much of their current curricular content. Krenz is a volunteer speaker for the Alzheimer's Association and a Regional Trainer for the National Task Group on Intellectual Disabilities and Dementia Practices.

Marie Kubina is a Curriculum Director with Opportunity Enterprises. She is a former teacher with over 30 years of experience in education. Kubina has developed curricular based programming for five distinct day programs and is able to use her background in education to create stimulating and meaningful days for the DD population.

ID# 39 Ending the Perpetual Direct Support Professional Workforce Crisis
Amy Hewitt, PhD, Research and Training Center on Community Living

Recommended Audience:

This session will center on turn-over within the Direct Support Professional (DSP) workforce. The Research and Training Center on Community Living at the University of Minnesota has conducted many intervention studies on how to effectively recruit, support and sustain the DSP workforce as well as followed and measured trends in the field with regard to DSPs. Participants in the session will learn about various interventions and how to access/develop, implement and evaluate interventions.

Learning Objectives:

Evidence-based interventions to reduce staff turnover

Evidence-based interventions to select the best DSPs

Strategies to influencing legislative bodies to increase DSP wages

Amy Hewitt, PhD is a director at the Research and Training Center on Community Living. Over the past 30 years Hewitt has worked to improve community inclusion and quality of life for children and adults with disabilities and their families. She has authored and co-authored numerous journal articles, curriculum, technical reports, and she co-authored a book entitled, Staff Recruitment, Retention and Training.

This session is a “show-and-tell” of apps. There are thousands of useful apps that can increase independence and help people lead more fulfilling lives. Participants will be able to review the top 10 apps in the categories of: Memory, Communication, Task Management, Task Analysis and Video Modeling, Community Navigation and Transportation, Behavior Management, Note Taking, and Smartphone/Tablet Navigation and Access.

Learning Objectives:

Identify apps to assist in everyday activities

Review apps to make community navigation less stressful

Experience assistive apps and share with colleges

Brian Norton is Manager of Clinical Assistive Technology with Easter Seals Crossroads. He is a RESNA-certified Assistive Technology Professional (ATP) and a Certified Ergonomic Assessment Specialist (CEAS). Norton provides direction, leadership, and training to a diverse team of Assistive Technology Specialists. He is well known for his creative application of technology in the areas of job and education related accommodations.

This session will focus on the Indiana General Assembly Session. In-depth information on legislation of interest and an update on INARF Legislative agenda items, as well as ways to engage your organization’s elected officials including contributing the INARF PAC, and how you can impact the 2016 election. Don’t miss this insider’s view into the political process and how you can grow your “political footprint.”

This session will provide multiple strategies to use in creating diverse curricular programming. There will be an emphasis on determining the purpose of specific programming and how to align it with individual goals. The importance of schedules and tips on creating them. Ideas on including variety and choice will also be discussed, as well as how to incorporate technology into your curriculum.

Learning Objectives:

The importance of schedules and consistency

Aligning purpose and goals

Incorporate technology into your programming

Kirstin Krenz is an Employee Development Specialist with Opportunity Enterprises. She spent two years as OE's Curriculum Technician and was instrumental in helping to develop much of their current curricular content. Krenz is a volunteer speaker for the Alzheimer's Association and a Regional Trainer for the National Task Group on Intellectual Disabilities and Dementia Practices.

Marie Kubina is a Curriculum Director with Opportunity Enterprises. She is a former teacher with over 30 years of experience in education. Kubina has developed curricular based programming for five distinct day programs and is able to use her background in education to create stimulating and meaningful days for the DD population.

ID# 43 Fostering Effective Supervisors and Organizational Culture for Today's DSPs
Amy Hewitt, PhD, Research and Training Center on Community Living

Recommended Audience:

This session will provide an overview of the national Frontline Supervisors (FLS) competencies, provide suggested options for training this workforce and explore effective methods and resources for connecting with virtual employees. In the 21st Century we need to move our practices forward and use technology to its fullest to engage, motivate and connect Direct Support Professionals and their supervisors.

Learning Objectives:

Strategies to connect with DSPs regularly and meaningfully using technology

Understand the critical link between supervisors and DSPs

Core competencies required of frontline supervisors

Amy Hewitt, PhD is a director at the Research and Training Center on Community Living. Over the past 30 years Hewitt has worked to improve community inclusion and quality of life for children and adults with disabilities and their families. She has authored and co-authored numerous journal articles, curriculum, technical reports, and she co-authored a book entitled, Staff Recruitment, Retention and Training.

Engage in a facilitated discussion with the goal of focusing on the positive attributes and what IS working with the new model (sort of taking a strengths based approach). Target and invite a select group of provider representatives to participate and discuss the benefits and strengths of the new model and ask that they primarily focus on the positive attributes of the system. They should be prepared to describe how they are making it work and how their consumer base is benefiting—and bring actual successful case studies into the discussion. Again focusing on the positive attributes of the new model, we want to explore what is working well, how and why.

In this session participants will hear stories about the individuals we serve and the work that we do as disability service providers. Participants will learn the principles needed to invest in our consumers in order to make positive impacts in their lives.

Dr. Chuck Dietzen is the Founder and President of Timmy Global Health, a nonprofit organization expanding access to healthcare in the developing world, while empowering students and medical professional volunteers to tackle today’s most pressing global health challenges. Dietzen is the author of many professional publications, grants, and professional presentations. His work was highlighted in the 1995 issue of 50 Most Positive Doctors in America, and also in the 2000 issue of Positive Profiles in Medicine, in addition to his numerous local, regional, and national awards for service and leadership.

&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp11:45 AM, Postnote Luncheon: What You Do Matters

Dr. Chuck Dietzen will share success stories and personal experiences to illustrate the impact of our work in people’s lives.